As a divorce enters its final stages and the reality of establishing two separate households for a family that came from one is fully realized, nothing is more vital than creating a child custody agreement that recognizes the needs of the children. While it is certainly true that each Texas family member is important, the kids have never experienced anything other than a life with Mom and Dad in the same home, and how this new transition evolves will likely play a critical role in the type of relationship they have with each parent moving forward.
Mediation can make your divorce faster, cheaper and more private
For some people, the potential issues that come with divorce are so frightening that they would prefer to stay in an unhappy marriage than face the reality of divorce. The idea of airing dirty laundry in court, relinquishing control to a judge and spending so much money just to end a marriage can seem ridiculous. Thankfully, those in Texas who want to end their marriage have more options than just a contentious, litigated divorce.
What 'best interests of the child' means
Texas parents are often advised to keep the best interests of their young children in mind when ending a marriage. In fact, nearly all courts use that standard to make child custody decisions when parents aren't able to work out an arrangement on their own. Ultimately, a court is likely to determine what constitutes "best interests" when making custody-related decisions based on several factors.
How wealthy people should approach divorce
When Texas couples with a high net worth choose to end their marriage, the resulting divorce can be complicated. Therefore, there are steps that they should take to make sure that they settle the divorce in as timely and clean a manner as possible. The first step is to create personal and professional priorities and advocate for them during divorce settlement talks.
Working towards a fair child custody agreement
When fathers in Texas think about divorce, they may be concerned about losing access to time with their children. In many cases, people stay in unhappy marriages with little hope of improvement because they are concerned about the outcome of a child custody battle. However, older views about fathers' relationships with their children have largely been dismissed from modern family courts. Today, both parents are generally considered to be essential to a child's growth and well-being as long as there are no issues with abuse or neglect.
Don't leave these assets on the table
When couples divorce, typically the two major assets are the family home and the retirement accounts and benefits. But while it is definitely important to get your share of those assets, it's equally important not to leave valuable resources and assets on the negotiation table.
